***
Leah now relaxing in her lounge, had insisted Talokta join her. She felt happy and her body was tingling with excitement. A burden had been lifted. Instinct is bliss.
She had told Talokta that Cemel mentioned about a ceremony in her honor. He was giving her an outline of this event. “It is an honorable mark of your return.”
She laughed. “Don’t you mean my arrival?”
Talokta smiled. He surprised himself; it was the most he had smiled since he long could remember. Deep down he had enjoyed this unique mission. Turns out it was a total success.
Leah looked thoughtful for a moment. “I haven’t seen my team for a couple of days, I’ve been so preoccupied. I think I’ll go and see them.”
“Are you going to tell them about your meeting with Cemel and your decision?”
“Of course, in fact,” she said standing up, and to her hidden amusement, Talokta instantly stood up. “I should go now. I will have to talk to Kalvich about their safe return to Earth.”
Talokta thought about Pete Reynolds, who cared so deeply for her. Now with a Cathexistome implanted keeping those human emotions submerged, it would be interesting to see if both still had feelings for each other. Reynolds was very aloof to everyone and now that Kate had consciously let Leah dominate, how was Reynolds and each team member going to react to her?
But why should I care? Check yourself, Commander. Remember that warning vision, remember your sworn duty. This is the mission of all missions, be professional.
“Very well, my guards will escort you there, Your Highness.”
Leah blushed but said nothing.
***
On a secure communications line, Talokta listened intently. His master was nothing short of a genius, he should have guessed.
“Now, Talokta, I want you to undergo an operation.”
“Who do you want me to be, my lord?”
“Me.”
Chapter 29—Losing and Gaining